Doctors in Lewisham are supporting Dry January's 'bid booze goodbye, keep January dry' this year in order to raise awareness about excessive drinking.

Friday 1 January will mark the start of a New Year and 'Dry January' awareness campaign which encourages people to take a month out from alcohol and enjoy the benefits.

Dry January participants often report losing weight, sleeping better, having more energy and clearer skin!

Dr Marc Rowland, local GP and NHS Lewisham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair said: "People often feel that they have overindulged in alcohol over the festive season and taking a month off drinking is beneficial for your general health, as well as your wallet and waistline.

"Dry January is a great way to raise awareness of the importance of giving our bodies a break from the booze.

"Alcohol can increase the risk of many medical conditions, including cancer, and Dry January gives you the opportunity to take a break from the booze and see the benefits."

Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and depression.

In 2015

85% of Dry January participants felt they benefited from the sense of achievement